***** This episode may contain subject matter that is a trigger for some listeners. Incidents of traumatic events, injuries, and mental health issues will be discussed.********

Guest: Jessica Cortez, MA, CCC-SLP, CBIS

Earn 0.1 ASHA CEU for this episode with Speech Therapy PD: https://www.speechtherapypd.com/course?name=Neurorehab-in-the-Justice-System-The-Untold-Role-of-SLPs

In this episode of the Brainstorms Functional Neuro Rehab for SLPs podcast, host Renee Garrett welcomes guest Jessica Cortez, a speech-language pathologist and certified brain injury specialist. The discussion focuses on the impactful work being done to provide speech therapy services to individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Jessica shares her journey and experiences, highlighting the importance of trauma-informed care, functional brain injury assessments, and the challenges of delivering these essential services. Practical insights into personalized treatment, building rapport, and innovative approaches for outreach to underserved populations are provided, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in neurorehabilitation and social justice.

Episode Timeline:

00:00 Introduction and Disclosures

01:34 Guest Introduction: Jessica Cortez

02:30 Jessica's Journey into Neuro Rehab

03:41 Focusing on Traumatic Brain Injury

05:49 The Criminal Justice System and Brain Injuries

13:30 Patient-Focused Brain Injury Assessment

24:58 Challenges and Opportunities in Prison Reform

32:39 Understanding Brain Function and Holistic Care

33:55 Challenges in Nutrition and Healthcare Systems

35:04 Addressing Bias and Habitual Behavior

36:01 Outreach and Support for Underserved Populations

38:18 Screening and Support Systems for TBI

40:06 Collaborative Care and Rehabilitation

42:01 Functional Therapy and Real-Life Applications

54:37 Success Stories and Rehabilitation Impact

01:00:15 Final Thoughts and Resources

About the Guest:

Jessica Cortez is a Speech Language Pathologist and Certified Brain Injury Specialist with over 15 years of experience working with adults and adolescents in various medical settings. She earned her Master's in Speech Language Pathology from The George Washington University and her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from The University of Mount Union. She now lives in Northern Colorado and owns The Loom Connection, focusing exclusively on treating acquired brain injuries in the general and criminal justice.